MIDDLE EASTERN MEAT PIES.

Homemade Middle Eastern Meat Pies will always be a household favorite! These are baked to perfection — both crispy at the edges and soft in the center. They are filled with tons of Middle Eastern flavor!
PREP: 20 M | RISE: 1 H | COOK: 10 M
PREHEAT: 400° | BAKE: 10-15 M | YEILDS: 10

VARIETY.

In addition to making meat pies, you can make so much more! Try topping with zaatar, cheese, or making mini pizzas! You could really top them with whatever you choose. Have fun with it & keep them in the refrigerator for later!

INGREDIENTS.

FOR THE DOUGH (1 hour):
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tbsp dry active yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup warm water

​FOR THE MEAT (10 minutes):
  • ​1.25 lbs ground beef or lamb
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp 7 spice
  • 1 tbsp mixed spices
  • 1/2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS.

STEP 1: MAKE THE DOUGH.
  1. In a large bowl, begin by whisking together the yeast and warm water and allowing it to set (proof) for 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk in the salt, sugar, and olive oil. Then, start by adding in one cup of flour and mix with a wooden spoon. Mix in the second cup of flour until fully incorporated.
  3. On a clean, floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes and shape into a ball. The dough should not be sticky at this point — if it is, sprinkle a little flour at a time while kneading into it to make it work.
  4. Place the dough ball in a large, greased bowl and place a towel over it. Allow it to rest in a warm place (e.g., the microwave) for at least 1 hour. If you do this the night before, it’s okay to leave it in the microwave overnight.

STEP 2: MAKE THE MEAT.
  1. ​In a saucepan on medium heat, cook onions and garlic until transparent and fragrant. Add in the diced tomatoes and sauté until they are soft.
  2. Add in the ground beef, chopping it into small pieces. Cook until just browned, then strain the fat.
  3. Season the meat mixture with salt & pepper to taste, 7 spices, mixed spices, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and crushed red pepper.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste and remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, then toss in the finely chopped, fresh parsley. Cook for a few more minutes, then remove. Do not over cook, since it will also bake.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE PIES.
  1. ​​On a clean, floured surface, punch out the dough and roll out into a large circle.
  2. Use a large-mouthed mug to cut out circles in the dough, then set them on a baking sheet.
  3. Brush each pie with olive oil, then equally add the meat mixture on all pies. Press the meat into the dough with the back of a fork to help the meat adhere to the dough.
  4. Garnish each meat pie with toasted pine nuts or almonds, then bake at 400° for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

SAHTAIN!